By Olivia Box
This Fourth of July our trips are celebrating the Apogee way: with hiking, biking, community service, and more! All across the globe, we have seen some festive groups – from face paint, to flags, to sprinkles – you’ll see a variety of celebrations sprinkled into our photos today. The Apogee world saw it all today – miles were crushed, well-deserved rest was had, mountains were climbed, and much, much more. Check out the views here and abroad, and all of that fun American gear!
Skip to a Specific Trip: MCJ, CI, NEMC, CRM, CSA, MCCE, MCP, DEXA, DEXB, VM, CRLS, CMCA, CMCB, CQA, CQB, MSA, NWXA, NWXB, PCA, PCB, SHX, AXA, AXB, ECCA, ECCB, ACC1, ACC2
Maine Coast Junior (MCJ)
MCJ waved a fond farewell to Acadia National Park this morning and made their way down the coast to Freeport. They stopped at Apogee headquarters for lunch in Brunswick and then spent their afternoon in a classic coastal fashion with a lovely sea kayaking trip.
Cape Cod & the Islands (CI)
These folks are living the Cape dream! They celebrated the 4th on picturesque Nantucket, exploring the island with their “Challenge Ride” and also some quality beach time.
Colorado’s Rocky Mountains (CRM)
Today is not only America’s birthday, but also Apogee’s first ever day of ROCK CLIMBING! We may be more excited about this CRM activity than BBQ and fireworks tonight…The gang put on their helmets and harnesses and spent their day climbing.
Caribbean Service Adventure (CSA)
Our Puerto Rico crew enjoyed their first full day on Vieques, splitting their day between a visit to a local museum and an afternoon of snorkeling. What a start to their island stay!
Maine Coast College Essay (MCCE)
Our writers are spending this Independence Day giving back to the local community. They volunteered at the Fourth of July festivities in Bath, ME and then had some time this afternoon to enjoy the waterfront events that they helped out with.
Maine’s Downeast Explorer (DEXA)
Our DEX crew shuttled to the Appalachian Trail today. They’re living the rustic life for the next two days – carrying everything they need with them – so this is likely our last photo for a few days. We know that Fourth of July tattoos are really the best (and only) way to begin a good hike. We’ve heard they made it to their first campsite!
Vermont to Montréal (VM)
The Vermonsters enjoyed a well-deserved rest day in Burlington. They explored the downtown (while rocking their festive face point), took in views of Lake Champlain, and stretched those biking legs!
Costa Rica Language & Service (CRLS)
Today’s theme was “Spanish By the River”, and true to their itinerary – their Spanish lessons were followed by a glorious swim beneath a waterfall. How many times can we say “Pura Vida”? Their photos speak for themselves.
California Mountains & Coast (CMCA)
Big hikes and big trees are the theme for the day. CMCA savored a longer hike in Calaveras today surrounded by the majestic Sequoias. They don’t currently have enough service to send pictures, but have promised us some shots soon!
California Mountains & Coast (CMCB)
CMCB is continuing to soak up their back country time in one of America’s favorites, Yosemite National Park. They’re heading out tomorrow, and we’re excited to report back about Yosemite and see pictures of CMCB enjoying the splendors of the park! Stay tuned for tales of waterfalls, big trees, and unparalleled terrain!
Coast to Québec (CQA)
CQA is celebrating the Fourth with some spirited flag waving and also by flying through their miles! They are pedaling inland as they continue on towards Quèbec. Love the festive photos today!
Coast to Québec (CQB)
CQB spent their day by the harbor volunteering at the local July 4th concert in Camden. After service they spent their afternoon enjoying the concert. We hope to see these aprons continually make an appearance in their future blog photos.
Montana Service Adventure (MSA)
The Big Sky crew had their first day of service in Helena and volunteered at community gardens with a non-profit organization seeking to make garden space more available for local residents. The MSA crew enjoyed their day of urban service – giving back to both the environment and the community!
Northwest Explorer (NWXA)
NWXA is continuing to explore all that Olympic National Park has to offer- which is a lot! The park is known for its diverse ecosystems including 70 miles of coastline, old-growth rain forests, and hard-to-beat peaks. Can’t wait to see those pictures!
Northwest Explorer (NWXB)
The B crowd- or shall we say, back country crowd- is relishing in that Pacific Northwest scenery. They headed into the back country of the North Cascades today – we’re looking forward to some stellar pictures in a few days when they emerge from their time in the wilderness!
Pacific Coast (PCA)
PCA is California dreamin’! They savored their last miles and moments in Oregon, and then ended their day in California – two states in one day! Grace and Ryan – are there sprinkles in California too?
Pacific Coast (PCB)
PCB continued their Oregon ride with some quintessential coastal scenery today. See the picture below if you don’t believe us- big smiles and blue skies!
Scottish Highland Explorer (SHX)
The Scots enjoyed a well-deserved rest day – they explored the town of Oban and are settled in the wee town of Tyndrum for the evening. Back on the trails tomorrow!
Alps Explorer (AXA)
We promised you more pictures, and our leaders exceeded our expectations (Kudos)! These explorers took a cable car this morning and spent the day hiking and admiring the Aletsch Glacier, the largest glacier in the Alps – and also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Alps Explorer (AXB)
Elsewhere in the Alps, AXB crossed from Switzerland to France as they began the Tour du Mont Blanc – a hike around Europe’s tallest peak with views of Switzerland, France, and Italy.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCA)
These cycling stars spent their rest day exploring Bruges, which is sometimes known as the “Venice of the North”. They indulged in the local fare (those famous waffles!), checked out the city sights, and gave their reliable legs some rest.
Europe Coast to Coast (ECCB)
The Euro B’s took on a big ride through the countryside towards Bruges today, and word is they crushed their mileage! They totally earned the rest day they have tomorrow in Bruges.
America Coast to Coast (ACC1)
ACC1 continued their Georgia ride, and is looking forward to grilling tonight! FYI: Leader Anna sent in these pictures at 8:30 AM saying “20 miles down!” (WOW). What did you do by 8:30 AM?
America Coast to Coast (ACC2)
As promised, ACC2 crossed their first state line. Hello Georgia! Hopefully Freddy and the ACC1 crew left them some peaches to eat…
